SYMDelhi under the leadership of Fr. Deepak Kindo (Provincial Coordinator – Social Experience) conducted online novena for the youth of New Delhi Province to mark the 400th death anniversary of St. Francis de Sales, the patron of the Salesian Congregation from 15th to 23rd January 2022. Amidst the uncertainties and fears of Covid -19 situation, this novena, the first of its kind, brought the young people of the province in a unique way to prepare and celebrate the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the saint of loving kindness and patience. The purpose behind this endeavour was to promote devotion to the saint and to get inspired by his life and personality.
To prepare spiritually for this feast on 24th January, the youth and the Salesians prepared themselves in their own respective ways. Few communities and the province youth conducted novena prayers both physically as well as using the social media platform. St. Francis de Sales is known for his gentleness and anyone would be impressed by his personality. The youth shared their experiences as to how this saint has inspired them and touched their lives.
In two Salesian Parishes, namely Bariatu and Najafgarh, the youngsters could gather physically and participate in the prayer services organised in honour of St. Francis de Sales. The SYMDelhi streamed the prayer services LIVE via Don Bosco Bariatu YouTube channel for others to participate and pray.
Even though it was Online, the ambience was such that many joined from their homes and prayed together, paid homage and received blessings through the intercessions of the saint. On the feast of the Saint on 24th January, 2022, young people shared their experiences as to how the life and personality of the saints has touched their lives. The sharing by the youth of New Delhi, Odisha and Jharkhand was quite heart touching.
SYMDelhi also conducted ‘St. Francis de sales Drawing Competition’ to mark this event. It was well participated by the young people. The result was announced on 31st January 2022. 1st and 3rd prize was won by Najafgarh whereas 2nd position was obtained by Kuarmunda. To make St. Francis de Sales’ feast a special event this year was the call of Salesian youth movement from the Regional Level and the youth of New Delhi Province actively conducted and participated in various events to honour the saint of the gentleness.
Fr. Deepak Kindo